Surge in connection

Key findings from the 2019 Inmarsat Superyacht Connectivity Report include:

• Usage of large scale VSAT will increase – currently 46 percent of respondents, growing to 80 percent by 2024, are using VSAT more than 50 percent of the time on-board
• Spend on satellite communication will increase – currently 34 percent of respondents spend between €5,000 and €20,000 annually, growing to 57 percent by 2024
• Demand for IoT applications will increase – currently respondents predict IoT will account for 6.2 percent of operational connectivity demand, increasing to 24.7 percent by 2024
• Demand for TV over IP streaming will increase – currently 24 percent of respondents are using 50 percent or more of their connectivity use on TV over IP streaming, growing to 58 percent by 2024
• Only 17 percent know the difference between Anti-Virus software and more secure endpoint protection
• 7.5 percent of respondents say that no-one oversees cyber security on-board
• More than 80 percent of respondents showed a lack of awareness about the most effective measures of cyber security.

Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President, Yachting and Passenger, Inmarsat said: “Once again, it has been hugely beneficial and informative for us to work with the superyacht community to produce the annual Inmarsat Superyacht Connectivity Report.

“Underlining their needs for the future, the report ensures that we can match our services with their requirements by providing the best, most reliable connectivity at sea globally.

“As expected, the results confirm the expansion of digitalisation in the sector is gathering pace – but the level of projected growth in large scale VSAT usage and spend in the next five years is even higher than anticipated.

“The feedback on cyber security, a key factor in the future safety of these vessels, is particularly valuable for us in our continued work with superyacht professionals to provide more robust and accessible options.

“With the research confirming that most respondents are still not aware that an in-depth, multi-layer cyber defence is much more effective that a standard antivirus program, it is essential that we help to raise awareness in this area by working with captains and engineers.”

To help superyacht captains and crew maintain a secure system core on board, Inmarsat has developed its Fleet Secure Portfolio to provide a comprehensive solution, consisting of three services:

• Fleet Secure UTM (Unified Threat Management), which is a comprehensive set of tools designed to continuously inspect, detect and protect the vessel’s network;
• Fleet Secure Endpoint, a powerful multi-layered endpoint security solution to prevent attacks whilst removing infections and threats throughout the onboard endpoints; and
• Fleet Secure Cyber Awareness, cyber security training specifically targeted for seafarers, raising awareness to assist in preventing threats before they get on board.

Inmarsat’s Yachting and Passenger portfolio includes the Fleet Xpress platform, which is powered by the Global Xpress Ka-band network, combined with the proven reliability of Inmarsat’s flagship FleetBroadband L-band service. Benefits of Fleet Xpress include affordable voice calls, multiple voice options for crew and operations, and high-speed broadband for internet access, plus 24/7 online support by certified engineers. For superyacht clients, Fleet Xpress provides added subscription flexibility to meet seasonal demand changes.

The full report is available for download here.